The factory designs and manufactures rocket motors for tactical missiles.

Superintendent Kevin Purcell, of West Mercia Police, said further investigations were now being made to establish the cause of the fire and he confirmed no-one had been hurt.

“Fire crews used breathing apparatus to work in the affected building,” he said. “They have ventilated the building and further investigations will now be carried out.”

Evacuees at the Mare and Colt pub

Residents evacuated from their homes gathered at a nearby pub to await news of when they could return home.

People living in Summerfield Lane, near to the Roxel factory, were advised to leave their properties by police.

Despite their shock over what had happened, residents said there had been a “good spirit of camaraderie”.

They were allowed to return to their homes at around 2.45pm yesterday. Many residents gathered at the Mare and Colt pub, off the A449, which provided them with soup and sandwiches.Jane Wilkinson, 65, her 63-year-old husband Terry and daughter Kay, 27, were among those gathered at the pub. Mrs Wilkinson said they had been aware something serious was happening at the factory when emergency services vehicles went past their homes.